by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: Fabio Scoccimarro, FVG Councilor for Environment, Energy, and Sustainable Development; Fulvio Stel, Scientific and Technical Director Arpa FVG
Authorities in Friuli Venezia Giulia region have launched a new digital tool providing municipality-level forecasts of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, aiming to make scientific data more accessible and help residents and visitors better protect themselves from sun exposure.
Developed by the regional environmental agency Arpa FVG in collaboration with the regional departments for the environment and health, the widget offers UV index forecasts for the current day and the following two days. It also identifies the hours when UV radiation is expected to be strongest.
When the UV index exceeds 3, the application recommends protective measures in line with World Health Organization guidance, including wearing sunglasses and hats or seeking shade. For values above 7, indicating high risk, it advises users to take immediate protective action.
Regional Environment Councillor Fabio Scoccimarro said the tool is designed to translate complex scientific information into practical guidance for the public. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can increase the risk of skin and eye damage, particularly among vulnerable individuals.
The widget can be embedded free of charge on the websites and information displays of municipalities, hotels, beaches and tourist offices. It is available in Italian, English and German to serve both residents and international visitors.
Traditional UV forecasts for all municipalities, along with additional environmental monitoring tools for ozone, PM10 air pollution and weather conditions, are available at ibit.ly/3DBKE.
